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Adrian G. Marcuse

(1922 – 2017)

LIM College President 1972 – 2002

Adrian G. Marcuse began his 55-year involvement with LIM College when, in 1962, he stepped in to help his father Maxwell F. Marcuse, at what was then known as Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (LIM).

Before joining LIM, Adrian attended MIT, graduating in 1942 with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering. He then served three years in the South Pacific as a lieutenant in the USAAF, 18th Fighter Group, 13th Air Force where he received an Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Ribbon with Five Battle Stars. After earning a Master of Science degree from MIT in 1946 in aero and thermodynamics, Adrian had a 16-year career in engineering, primarily at Westinghouse. He was also instrumental in early research at United Technologies for what would eventually become supersonic flight.

Adrian didn’t officially take over the title of President until 1972, but he ran LIM from practically the first day he came on board. At the helm of the College for the next 40 years, Adrian had the vision to take it from a one-year, all-female certificate program to an associate degree-granting institution, and then finally to a co-ed, Middle States-accredited college offering bachelor’s degrees. Adrian’s perseverance in pursuit of these goals transformed and elevated students’ educational experience and immeasurably enhanced their prospects for successful careers.

During his Presidency, Adrian was a founding member of what is now the influential statewide association known as APC Colleges. He spent a great deal of time in Albany working with New York State officials on advancing the proprietary sector of higher education. He also went on to serve as a Trustee and member of the Executive Committee of the Association of Colleges and Universities of the State of New York and he was active in several higher education professional organizations.

Perhaps the boldest, and most memorable, move Adrian made on behalf of the College was his purchase of the Townhouse at 12 East 53rd Street. He bought the Townhouse in 1964, and in 1965, the College left its rented premises around the corner on Fifth Avenue and moved into what has become both its most iconic location as well as its spiritual home.

As President, and later as President Emeritus and a member of the Board of Directors, Adrian G. Marcuse considered the students, faculty and staff who made up the LIM College community to be extended members of his own family. This legacy is one of the pillars of LIM College’s culture — a strong sense of community and caring that exists to the present day.